The top 10 lists can always be a big topic of discussion among NBA fans. And George Karl’s list is sure to spark a lot of conversation. The former Nuggets head coach shared his updated list of the 10 greatest players of all time to reflect the addition of Nikola Jokic. Surprisingly, two big names, Stephen Curry and Wilt Chamberlain, were not on Karl’s list.
“Here’s my current All-Time Top 10:
Michael
LeBron
Kareem
Russell
Magic
Bird
Duncan
Kobe
Dr. J
Jokic
Joker has cracked the Top 10, taking the spot from Hakeem. Wilt and Curry are just outside this list. This isn’t science so don’t light me up if you disagree!!”
There are some obvious names on the list like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. But players like Julius Erving and Nikola Jokic being on Karl’s list over players like Stephen Curry and Wilt Chamberlain is a controversial choice. However, Karl did note that it is his list and there is no objective top-10 list.
Karl clearly rates Nikola Jokic very highly, now adding him to his top-10 list. But the omission of Stephen Curry, who many consider to be one of, if not the best point guard of all time, is certainly a strange one. Especially considering Karl had the opportunity to coach against Curry several times.
But Karl is an old-school coach, who has respect for players of the previous generations. Which is why the absence of Wilt Chamberlain, who many consider the greatest scorer of all time, is all the more puzzling. Chamberlain is on almost every top-10 list, mostly for his scoring exploits, so him not making Karl’s list is definitely odd.
George Karl Demands Respect For Julius Erving
While talking about his top-10 list, George Karl noticed a lot of people questioned the inclusion of ‘Dr. J’ Julius Erving. Karl responded to this criticism by noting that people do not show enough respect for Erving and his accomplishments, not just in the NBA, but in the ABA, and also the impact he had on the sport.
“I get actually bothered when people say Julius isn’t a Top 10 all-time player. Three championships, three MVPs, created the most important event in hoops history (ABA – NBA merger), changed the game!! At least just go ahead and say you’re too young and don’t know.”
Karl certainly has a point about Julius Erving. He is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the history of the NBA, and his talent always shined through in the biggest moments. He played in the NBA for 11 seasons, where he won an NBA championship, one regular-season MVP, and made 11 All-Star and 7 All-NBA teams.
Before even making it to the NBA, Dr. J had a stellar career in the ABA with the New York Nets, where he won 2 ABA championships and Finals MVPs, 3 regular-season MVPs, and 5 ABA All-Star and All-ABA teams.
For his incredible performances in the ABA and the NBA, he had his jerseys retired by the (now) Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers. Erving is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time.
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